Adjustable air distribution grille



Sept. 30, 1952 w. w. KENNEDY 2,612,095

ADJUSTABLE AIR DISTRIBUTIQN GRILLE Filed 0613. 5, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

4/60" Ken/764g ATTORNEYS Sept. 30, 1952 w. w. KENNEDY 2,512,095

I v ADJUSTABLE AIR DISTRIBUTION GRILLE I Filed Oct. 5, 1948 s Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

[VJ/6! Kennedy ATTORNEYS Sept. 30, 1952 w. w. KENNEDY 2,612,095

ADJUSTABLE AIR DISTRIBUTION GRILLE Filed Oct. 5; 1948 4 s Sheets-Sheet s V IINVENTORJ h/d/ter h. Kcf/meafy BY v flay- M 4 ATTORNEYS" Patented Sept. 30, 1952 ADJUSTABLE AIR DISTRIBUTION GRILLE.

WalterW. Kennedy, Rockford, Ill.,'assignor to Barber-Colman Company, Rockford, Ill.,

poration of Illinois Application October 5, 1948, Serial No. 52,916

This invention relates to air distribution grilles having one set of spaced vanes or finscrossing another set of vanes or crossbars in relatively perpendicular relationship with each crossbar adapted for individual adjustment about a longitudinal axis so that, by selective adjustment of the crossbars, the direction of all or part of the air stream discharged through the grille may be varied as desired.

The general object of the invention is to interfit the two setsof vanes together in a novelmanner which permits the vanes to be made of relatively thinsheet metal so as to obtain an optimum free air, area through the grille, which facilitates assembly at low cost, and which in- 13 Claims. Cl. 98--40) sures firm retention of the vane adjustments in Figure l is a front elevational view of an air distribution grille embodying the novel features of the present invention.

Figs. 2 and 3 are vertical and horizontal sec-. tional. views taken respectively in the planes of lines 2- 2 and 3-3 of Fig. 1. p

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a part of the grille core.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the tool used for adjusting the grille. I p

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the relationship of the parts of the grille core during assembly thereof. c Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken along the plane of line 1,] in Fig. .6.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of Fig.7.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 but with .th crossbars in a difierent position of adjustment Fig. 10 is a fragmentary and greatly magnified view of a portion of Fig. 8.

A further object is to connect the crossbars s and fins in a novel mannerso as to utilize the in'-' herent unevenness and inaccuracies resulting.

from construction of thefins from thinsheet metal to insure firm frictional holding of 'the crossbars in all of their positions of adjustment and to take up automatically any wear occurring in service use.

In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a grille of the type in which each crossbar is inserted endwise through longitudinally elongated holes in the fins and-notched along its side margins to permit turning ofthe bar to interlock the latter with the fins. -Still another object is to so shape the notches in the crossbars that the defining ends may be usedas cams for guiding the fin and bar notches into proper'interfitting relation in spite of manufacturing inaccuracies.

and to avoid marring of the finish on the fin surfaces as an incident to adjustment ofthe crossbars. y v

"Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed While the invention is .susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, I have shown in the drawings and will herein describe'in detail the preferred embodiment. Itis to be understood, however, that I do. not intend to limit the invention by such disclosure. but aim to cover all modifications and alternative construction falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in ,the appended claims. y

The adjustable air distribution grille shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration com,- prises generally a frame 10 supporting and enclosing the periphery of a grille core l l which is composed of a multiplicity of closely spaced vanes or fins I2 crossing a pluralityof vanes 01' description taken in connection with'the accqm-i panyingdrawings, in'which angular position within an crossbars l3 in perpendicular relationship, the bars and fins interfitting with each other in .a novel manner such thateach set of vanes is supported and maintained in spaced parallel relation entirely. .-by the vanes 'of the other set, while at thesame time permitting each crossbar to be adjusted about its longitudinal axis l6 disposed about midway between the margins of the fins. For these twopurposes, each -.fin is cut away between its sidemargins -to form holes [5 for receiving the crossbars and also for forming arcuate bearing surfaces 22 which'inte rengage with complemental surfaces on the crossbar and coact with the latter, not onlyto hold the'vanes of each set in spaced parallel relation, but also to permit turning of each crossbar to ny desired arc substantially greater than a right angle. r

To provide optimum free air area through the grille, the fins are made of thin sheet metal, preferably soft steel, about .018 to .020 of an inch sectional 3 dinally spacedpoints. tolform defleo ii andldiffusing elements ITI along; one marginand, similar but substantially longer elements I'I along the other margin. The elements I7 and I I are stage.

gered relative to the holes I in the fins and are differently shaped to cause defieetionmoffthezair passing through the grille at: different angles depending on the direction ofthe'fiow.

The crossbars I3 are made substantially stiffer and much thicker than the fins I2 in order that they may be held in tight frictional engagement with the fins to retain their adjustedpositions,

and yet may be turned: to different positions withoutrbecoming twisted or bent. Preferably, the bars "compriserzfiat stripsof sheetmetal about 1% of" an -inch thick-"and "only slightly narrower than .the fins I2 so that they willact-effectually in deflecting each incrementof the ainstream-dischargedthrough the space-between-a pair of "adjacent fins and .a pa'inof-adjacent-crossbars. In view of-the widerangegofangular adjustment of the crossbars, the'lattermaybespaced somewhat farther "apart than the fins; I I2 *while permitting thedesired degree of lateraldeflection or the air stream-tome "obtained Herein; the-bar axes I6 are'spaced-apartapproximately one and one half 4 times the width of therbars.

The" fins" and crossbarsrareassembled to form the pore" II :by first'insertingeach' her through a set'ofthe-alined-fin; holes I5-while the bar is disposed "asashown in- Figs. "6 "and '7 in -'a plane parallelitdthe firr edges and then turning'the bariabout itsaxisi l fi-jto interengage the surfaces bywhihthevanesofeachset'are held in spaced relation and the crossbar is j ournaled on the 'fins. Irrfone. of its aspects; the invention contemplate; a *noveli shapingand location of these coactingsurifaces to facilitate-assembly ofthe fins: and-crossbarsjto enable the fins to be-made 'of1:tl'iin "andireadily deformable sheet metal; to -'compensatei*for*inaccuraciesinherentin the formation of' thefins as-sheet metal" stampings, andto utilize theyresiliency of the fin material improducingfirm binding engagement for maintaining, theladjustedpositions of the crossbars in fspitefpff normal Wearing off of-"these surfaces itr'service'use;

' 'To aohieve-theseimportant functionsand-"ad- 'va'ntages, 'one of the coacting surfaces above referred-to-isformed by the edge of a 'fin'hole I 5 whiletheptheris thewail of an outwardly open- "ingnotch 2 0 in the margin of the crossbar I 3, at least one of "the surfacesbeing inclined relative to the 'plane o'f the'finso-"astoac't'a'sa camin guidingthesurfaces into full 'intereng-agement in the turning of thecrossbar during assembly. Preferably, as in'the present instance, the inclined interengaging surface- 'is formed on the 4 walls defining, .oppositelsides lot the fin hole I 5 will-:fitzclosely in. the curved partssdfithe notch roots I9, the engagement being confined to the corners 22 of the hole wall I5 as shown in Fig.

"I0; Tolerance variations in the sizes of the holes andlnotchesrand'rxthe thickness of the fins will, .of course,.,vary the, looseness or tightness of this "fit,Ybut withoutidetrimental effect as will appear later. .No'tchesgofithe shape and dimensions described may be punched from the crossbars without dangers ofribr.eahage or rapid deterioration of crossbarby'making "the notches '20 V-shaped 'withi thewalls' I B converging inwardly toward *eah-otherat "an included angle of about 25 deg'rees.* If"des'ired,the outerend portions I-B -o'f the 'llsmay; as'sh'own, be -'fiared at'a'still .-g'reater ang' le;

"turning of" the crossbars.

the-tools.

The notches 20 are spaced along the crossbars to correspond to the desired spacing of the fins I2=in the "final -grille assernblyz In this instance, bothimargins of the-bars' l -it are=similarly notched which is "advantageous in enabling the bar t'ofibe m'ade' of' a; widthonly slightly "narrower- 'thanl-the fins I2. 'If narrower-crossbars areemployedg only one -margin-need *be notched; or 'thenotchesin margins of such a narrower crossbar-maybe staggered-relative to-each other.

The holes I5 are elongated longitudinally: of the fins in order "that-each crossb ar may. be inserted endwise -thl011g1'1=8- set of alined holes in thefins when the bar is'disposedparallel'to the fin-edges "(see Fig; 6') This-"is accomplished by forming the ends ofthe fin -holes: l5 as parallel sided --'s 1ots' 2'I extending along; the center line of thefin, the over-all length -of the-"hole"including the extensionsbeing-somewhat greater than the width of the crossbars.

Intermediate its ends, the fin hole is en-larged to form the arouate 'bearing surfaces: or edges 2 2 "which are-concentric with respect tofithe' axis I 6 of "the inserted crossbar and of a radius slightlygreater thani'the spacing-of the-root I 9 of each "crossbar n'otch from 1 the -1.center l line 1 6-. Thus, after the crossbar has been inserted through the alined' holes -"I-5 ofragrouprof fins to l-bring the notches w into the planes -of' the-respective fins-- as-shown in li ig. -6;- thekbar may-Abe turned"aibout' its axis IB during which the-"bar surfacesl B- pass *out of'the slotted ends -2 I ofrthe fin-holes-'-'so as to's'traddle the 'finand th'enzmove around the bearing surfaces 2'2. The bars surfaces and-the opposite 'm'arginahedges of the "fin.

When punched out of thin sheet metal as above -'d'escribed; the fins-are deformed to some I extent and not perfectly-fiat. Also, there willubezsome small dimensional i variations in the size -of the "holes-1 5; the depth and width "of the 'notche's 2fl,

the thickness- 0f the fins; or the-formation 'of burrs around the fin holes in the punchingsopera- -tion-.- such variations do not interfere with turning :of the ="crossbars--in: assemhling: the parts as above described; or with proper int'erengagement of thelands 23 and' the notch:walls=I85 Forexample," even if the deformation: oftthe fins issubstantial so the fins as initially assembled are-as irregularly spaced: as shown in Fig. 9; the outer ends: II} of the notch walls will nevertheless .always straddle the associated fins in the initial Then, as the turning continues, thefinclined' bar surfacesi lfl engage "the defin'ingsides-of the slots 2| and act'as' cams onthe latter to 'bend'the fins and guide the fin v lands -23. into .the roots, woilthe notchesloas illus- "tratedfin1 lig- Aafter turning ofl the barfth'rough a, quarter. reyolution.

' The V-shape of thelcrossbannotches,inzaddi- "tion to facilitating interlocking of the crossbars and'fins in the manner described above, insures substantially uniform spacing of the fins'in the 'final assembly. "That is to say, the fin lands 23 are camm'edby the action of the bar surfaces 18 I into a common plane-which becomes spaced equidistantly from the adjacent fins as shown in Fig. 8. Such automatic straightening of the fins in the assembly operation is made possible by virtue of the thinness of the fins and the powerful cam action produced by the bar inclines 18.

If the dimensional inaccuracies are such as to produce acloser fit between the notch walls I8 and the hole edges 22 than is shown in Fig. 10, the bar walls may in the camming action abovestrain.

On the other hand, if the dimensionalvariations accumulate in a direction to fit the notch walls loosely in one fin hole, there is little likelihood of the bar or the fin as a whole remaining loose in the final assembly considering the substantial number of points of interengagement between each bar and the different fins or between each fin and the different bars.

The inherent inaccuracies or deformities in the fins above referred to are actually utilized to advantage in producing firm frictional binding engagement with the crossbars to hold the latter in all positions of adjustment, and this,in spite of the fact that the fit between the notch surfaces I 8 and fin hole walls may be very loose. As illusi trated in Fig. 9, deformities'in or lack of straightness of the fins will result in uneven spacing of the lands 23 of the different fins inthe final. assembly. Such uneven spacing, although slight and unnoticeable to the human eye, necessitates springing of the fins as the crossbars are turned in assembling the parts. As a result, the upper edges of some of the fin lands 23 will engage the' u per notch surface [8 as indicatedat'24 in Fig. S'while the edges of other of the lands will engage the lower notch surfaces as indicated at 25. Still other of the land edges will be centered in the notches, and, therefore, out of effective en'- gagement with either surface I8 of 'the'notc'h in which it is disposed. Nevertheless'each crossbar will always be in binding engagement with several of 1theffins in all of its positions of adjustment,

the crossbars changing by impingement of the air stream against them is effectually avoided.

'Actually, the fins and crossbars, wheninterlockedas described above, fit together so tightly that the bars cannot be turned readily without the aid of a'special tool 28 such'asis ,shovmin Fig. 5 thereby making it difficult for unauthorized persons to change the adjustment of .the. grille.

: The tool26 has a fork 21 at oneend adaptedto enter between adjacent fins and straddle one of the crossbars. Then, by gripping the outer end of the lever, the crossbar may be turned readily.

The firmness ofthe binding engagement does not change appreciablyeven after repeated'adjustment of the crossbars in service use. is because or the relativelylargenumber ofthe This ' crossbars in service.

points 24 and 25 of engagementbetween' theflns. coupled with the fact that the r ngven when made of relatively soft-steelypossess'suflicient resiliency to take up any wear occurring at" the engaging surfaces. Y

The use of V-sh aped notches inthe crossbars I6 is also advantageous in confining theengagement between the bars and-the fins to verysin-all areas of the'fins, preferably at the ve'ry'edges 22 i of the lands 23 and around the holes l5; There is norubbing whatever on the fin surfaces proper; consequently, the grille core ll comprising the assembled fins and bars may be painted adesired color after assembly, and suchfim'sh will not be destroyed by repeated adjustment of'the It will be observed that the assembly of the fins and crossbars to form the unitary and selfcontained grille core H simply involves insertion of the crossbars l3 endwisethrough the aline'd slotsyzi in a group of the fins l2 f'ollowedby turning of each bar through a quarter revolution. No ed-gewise or lateral shifting of the crossbars is necessary because the circular bearings formed by the hole edges 22 are disposed'intermediate the ends of theholes l5 each of which has a slot 2| projecting from opposite ends.

Interlocking of the fins and crossbarsin the manner above described is especially advantageous from a'manufacturi-ng standpoint. Thus,

theassembly of fins and crossbars maybe made in large sizes and then cut into cores l l according to the varying sizes of the grilles to be pm duced. Manufacture may thus be standardized and simplified, and both labor and material costs are minimized. I

To form a complete grille, a core ill of'tl'i'e desired size is cut from the fin and crossbar assembly above described and mounted in the frame Ill t'o conceal the ends of the crossbars and fins and facilitate mounting of the grille in .a room wall. In the form shown in Fig. 1, the frame comprises end and side members of channel cross sec tion connected at the corners and having flanges 28 which overlap the margins of the core I I en both faces of the latter. The intermediateportions 30 of'the channels extend across the ends of both the fins and the crossbars and are disconnected from the latter so as to pe'rmit 'f'ree turning of the bars. in themanner previously described. v Q l I In the grille core described above, it will be observed that axes 16 of the crossbars l3 are disposed midway between the edges of thegrille Also, the adjacent deflecting elements IT or I! on the fins are spaced along the fin equidistant from the intervening crossbar axis 15.

This arrangement permits the use of crossb ars of a height greater than half, the width ,of the notches 20 at the outer ends of the latter. {Stat-ed otherwise, the centering of the crossbars with respect to the fin and the deflecting elements enables the latter to be spaced closer "together along the fins and act more effectuallyfin producing the desired diffusing and deflecting action.

The grille constructed in the manner described is neat and attractive because the-fins, being rigidly connected, -are equally spaced at all time's and thus impart a uniform frontal appearance saw-ace stheirspacing-homthe grille. face. or. relative. to:

i each other. in .d'ifierentpositions of.v adjustment vhardly,.no-tice'able. .Jfiiis is .due to i the intenltionallmproduced (lack of. continuity. oft-the edges :of-boththefins andethe crossbars.

I riIn. addition, the. .g-rille. .is extremely versatile in enabling the discharged air..streamito..;be;deafiected. incanytpattermm the. planes .of the; fins while..-permittingat least four. diiferents degrees g-Qi gidefiection to the. obtai-nedain perpendicular :planes. 11f; ion.emincnrlle,v it is desired..-to spread y the...a tream..laterally,..theccrossbars.may-be -i'a cl-justechto-n'the positions shown in Eig...3,with (one .ore-moresof .the. center. barsdisposedperpen- -diculan; tort-he grille; facetand thebarsbn oppors itesides inclined in: opposite. directions. .th'e'- tai streameis to be defiected in onedirecti'on only. all oizthe crossbars wonldbe.inclinedinthesame .--.-.direction. With the crossbars .disposedperpendicu'lar bathe-grille ifaceno, defiection'will result.

.flhe amount .of. deflection of the. discharged air sstream; in.- a plane perpendicular. to .thefins will -.depend On;.Whi.Ch-j of the. elements I! or. 11% are disposed., atlthe'discharge. edges of the .finsbrl at ythe'; front. face oii the ,gr'ille. If the elements I 1 s ate. active .as.-. shovsm..in -,-1i'ig.. .1, a.... .deflection -of about five degrees will result. Theelements l1 .;.pioduce z a .,,great.er... defie cation-about fiiteen de- .;,grees' .fl'he directionv of such deflection will .despend .on .whether .the. grille .is positioned (with the aactivewelements projecting; downwardly -or .-,upwardly. Thus,. in the case. of thegrilleshown in 1F'i g..- 1, the air.,- stream.would bebent down- ..wardly. five .degrees by. the elements Il. By. -.re- Wersin dhe grille .an upward-deflection maybe remained. v n

..This; application is .a -continuation-inepart. of any. copending-application.Serial No..596 ,882, filed .May 3 1, 1945,.- .and. now. .abandoned.

v '1. claim as my invention:

. 1.. Agrille having-two relatively perpendiciilar sets of fins and angularly adjustable crossbars .l-with .the nartsof each.setspaced-apaft. longitu dinallyof-the partsof.the.other. set,-.said-fins l-beinacomposed-of relatively thinsheet metal and sharing rows of. spaced-.holes therein elongated .in

.onenirection .toreceive .the .crossbarsinassembly and-adisnosed intermediate the. edges. of the; fins eto provide-lands -on opposite sides, of .the holes, .andsaid crossbars being .of. greater rigidity. than the fins-r and. .having. outwardly" opening. notches longitudinally spaced: along the. crossbar margins -and-z-fiaring outwardly for. coaction oftheir walls Withsthe. edges ofi .said .holes to guide said .lands -into. .the notches. during turning. of. the crossbars tint saideholes. v -..2 .'.-A grille. :having two. relatively perpendicular .sets of. .fins and angularlyadjustable. crossbars with the .parts of. each set. spaced. apart. longi- ..tudinal1y. ottheparts of: the other set, said fins beingecomposedl. .ofrelativelylthin sheet -metal and. having. rows. of spaced... holes therein elongatedsin ,one. direction to receive. the...cros sbars .-asse1nbl5t.and. disposed intermediate. theedges so t. heqfins .to .proviv:le'.landsv on opposite. sidesbf lthe.wholes-,- andesaid; crossbars.;heingof...- greater ll ii ditysfthan theifinsaiidhaving: outwardly open- :1.ing;notchestlongitudinally; spacedalong -ithe gnar- ;'of. the crossbars,; the walls :Df'r'fSEid notches :beinginclined: relative togthegplanes .ohthefins :.and. .interlookingr-wvithjthe :defining edgesiof; the during .turning .of;.the...crosshars in. the-fin holes whereby .to. cam saidzlandsinto said'tnotches .imspitesof:.deformitiesimrthefins. V

3...-A- ygrillecomprising a-;.s.eries. of iparallehfins .having. holes spaced apart longitudinallysof the fins, said .finsheingcomposed of .sheetmetalaapproximately .02 of. an. inch. thick, a .iplur ality ;of ..-r.igid .sheet metaL-crossbars approximately-=1 of arr-inch thick; each: extending. .throughgone setgpf .thesalined. .holes. bf the. .finsipand .-havin .z-marginahnotchesspaced .accordingto; the: desired spacing oftthe saidrholes-being elongated :inone .direction (to -permit .iendwise;:insertiomof .the. .crossbars through -theholes-..and turning zof the. bars.v .to .initiallyl-interlock: the; fins \and-Lthe :.no.tches ofstheibarsand permit subsequent angular adjustment of the crossbars, and the wall'szof ,said bar .notches :being. spacedapartat theirouter .ends suflicientlyto. straddle thedefining. edgesiof ...said fin. holes ..during -.v said... turning but .-.more closely. spaced. adjacent .their vinnermends psofsas .to. beengageable .withtheedges ot said finholes to. .ho1d .the.hars' frictionally. indifierent-angular positions. of .adjustment. V

4. A grille..comprising.a-iseriesbf parallellfins .having lholes spaced .aipart...longitudinally... ot-the -fins, .saidifins being. composed'of Lshe'et .metaltapproximately 020. of, .aninchthick a plurality of .rigidisheet metal. .crossharsl substantially thicker thansaid fins, each. extending; throughf..onerset of the .alined. holesbfltheifinsi and.. havingmarginalnotches spaced according to the'id'esired spacing. of the ,fins,saidholes.beinglelongatd in a direction;longitudinally. of; the..fins..to .perinit endwise insertion Otthe. .cros'sbarsv throughithe ..holes and. turningoff 'the'...bars..to. initiallyv interlock. the." fins and; bars. and.=.'permit. subsequent angular adjustment of the .bars, andlithe wens of .said. bar notches being spaced. .apa'rtsiifll- .ciently at their. outer. ends to. straddleItheIdefining edges of saidiifinflholes;during said'turning butmore closely. spacedat inwardly. spaced. points so as to beengage'able with fins toh'old thbars frictionally in .difierent angiilar positions citadjustm'nt. I

'5', A g'rille: core comprising. a plurality" of'fiat relatively thick rigid bars .having outwardly .opening notches uniformly .spaced. .along their -n iargins; and a; plurality of Ifins'substantially 5 "thinner than said bars and; apertured; intermediatetheir.edges'to provide-aimed sets of-holes elongated in "one direction to permitf'insertion of 'theqbarsinto the holes and turningoi'the bars to interlock the. fins and bars," the defining walls of said "notchesbeing. inclined. relative to each other and to; the; planes of thefins and. coacting during initialturning or the bars .to deform the "fins andguide 'theiatter 'intoxpred'etermined positions relative' to. each ,of said notches while leaving" saidbanand'finzmarginsin firm frictional engagement. a

6; 'A-grille core'comprising spaced paralleffins apertured "intermediate? their edges and at 1ong1tudinally-- spaced points" to" provide alined sets of holes elongated' imbue-"dimension; and crossbars adapted to--be received in said sets" of' h'oles whendisposd in the plane of-said elongated difmensione.andzjournaled' :in the fins-to turn-about theinzlongitudinal .=.axes, -.isaid-;-:bars'r haying mar- ;g nal .V shaped.notcheszopeningtoutwardlytani e- :ceive.thedefinineifld csoi;safidsfinihoicszlwithrat least one wall oi. each notch inclined relative to the adjacent fin and frictionally engaging the fin at a point spaced inwardly from the outer end of the notch.

7. A grille comprising a series of parallel fins having holes spaced apart longitudinally of the fins and alined with corresponding holes of adjacent fins, a plurality of crossbars each extending through one set of the alined holes and having marginal notches spaced according to the desired spacing of the fins, said holes being elongated in one direction to permit insertion of the crossbars into the holes and turning of the bars to interlock the fins and bars, and the walls of said bar notches diverging outwardly sufliciently to straddle the defining edges of said fin holes in spite of non-uniformity in the spacing of the latter and acting on such edges during said tuming of the bars to cam said hole edges into centered positions in the notches.

8. A grille core comprising a series of substantially parallel fins having holes spaced apart longitudinally thereof and elongated in one dimension, said fins being composed of thin readily deformable material, and a plurality of flat relatively rigid crossbars each extending through one set of the alined fin holes and adapted to be inserted therein when disposed in the plane of said elongated dimension, said bars having notches spaced along their margins and of greater width than the thickness of said fins, the walls of said notches and the defining edges of said fin holes being shaped to interlock automatically during turning of the inserted bars and coacting during such turning to cam the defining edges of the fin holes laterally of the fins and guide these edges into the bar notches whereby to utilize deformities of said fins to maintain firm frictional engagement between the fins and bars during subsequent angular adjustment of the bars.

9. A grille comprising a series of parallel fins having holes spaced apart longitudinally of the fins and alined with corresponding holes of adjacent fins, said fins being thin sheet metal stampings with said holes elongated in one dimension, and a plurality of relatively rigid crossbars each extending through one set of the alined fin holes and having marginal notches spaced according to the desired spacing of the fins, said bars, when disposed in the plane of said elongated dimension, being insertable in said holes and rotatable after such insertion to interlock the fins and bars, and said notches being substantially wider at their outer ends than the thickness of said fins whereby to straddle the fins during said turning and being sufficiently narrower near their root ends to engage the fins around said holes and frictionally hold the bars in different positions of angular adjustment.

10. A grille having two relatively perpendicular sets of vanes with the vanes of each set spaced apart longitudinally of the vanes of the other set, one set having rows of spaced holes longitudinally elongated to receive the vanes of the other set in assembly and disposed centrally of the first vanes to provide lands between the vane edges and opposite sides of the holes, and the vanes of the other set being formed with outwardly opening notches spaced along the vane margins with the walls of the notches flaring outwardly so as to straddle said lands and engage said first vanes only at the edges of intersection between the fin surfaces and the walls of said holes whereby to prevent rubbing contact between said notch walls and the vane surfaces. 11. A grille for controlling the direction of fiow or air into a room or space, comprising two relatively perpendicular sets of vanes with the vanes of each set spaced apart longitudinally of the vanes of the other set, one set of vanes being composed of thin relatively flexible material and having rows of holes disposed intermediate the margins thereof and providing lands adjacent said margins on opposite sides of the holes, said holes being elongated in one direction to receive the vanes of the other set and the vanes of said other set comprising thicker bars each having outwardly opening notches along opposite edges to receive said lands and to adapt the bars for individual rotational adjustment whereby to vary the discharge pattern of air passing through the grille, said notches being several times as wide at their outerends as the thickness of said fins and narrowed intermediate their ends to frictionally engage the notch walls with said lands.

12. A grille comprising a series of closely spaced parallel fins having holes spaced apart longitudinally of the fins, said fins being composed of thin and flexible strips and a. plurality of rigid crossbars substantially thicker than said fins, each extending through one set of the alined holes of the fins and having marginal notches spaced according to the desired spacing of the fins, said holes being elongated to receive the crossbars by endwise insertion thereof through the holes and to permit turning of the bars to initially interlock the fins and bars :and thereafter to adjust the bars angularly, and the walls of said bar notches being shaped and spaced apart for engagement with said fins frictionally over an area which is only a small fractional part of the total overlapped width of the walls and fin surfaces whereby to utilize the flexibility of said fins in maintaining all of the different ad- J'ustments of the bars.

13. An adjustable grille for controlling the direction of fiow of air into a room or space com- 45 prising two relatively perpendicular sets of vanes with the vanes of each set spaced apart longitudinally of the vanes of the other set, one set being in the form of thin strips having rows of holes elongated in one dimension to receive the 50 vanes of the other set and disposed centrally of the strips to provide lands at the edges of the vanes on opposite sides of the holes, and the vanes of said other set comprising fiat bars having V-shaped notches along opposite edges for 55 receiving said lands and permitting rotational adjustment of the bars whereby to vary the discharge pattern of air passing through the grille.

WALTER W. KENNEDY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,034,231 Fox Mar. 17, 1936 2,152,447 Wheeler Mar. 28, 1939 2,185,712 Rowley Jan. 2, 1940 2,272,227 Thomas Feb. 10, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 371,147 Great Britain Apr. 21, 1932 564,707 Germany Nov. 22, 1932 

